Comparing Air, Pro, Mini, and Standard Models

admin

May 8, 2024

0 Views 0

SaveSavedRemoved 0

All iPads compared in 2024

Large Pro model
Small Pro model
Best value-for-money
Best value-for-money
Smallest iPad
Basic iPad
Old-school iPad

Model

Picture

Review

Not yet tested

Review: Apple iPad mini 6 (2021)

Review: Apple iPad 10 (2022)

Review: Apple iPad 9 (2021)

Display

13-inch OLED2752 x 2064 pixels10 ~ 120 Hz refresh rate

11-inch OLED2420 x 166810 ~ 120 Hz

13-inch LCD2732 x 204860 Hz

11-inch LCD2360 x 164060 Hz

8.3-inch LCD2266 x 148860 Hz

10.9-inch LCD2360 x 164060 Hz

10.2-inch LCD2160 x 162060 Hz

SoC

Apple M49 / 10-core CPU10-core GPU

Apple M28-core CPU10-core GPU

Apple A156-core CPU5-core GPU

Apple A146-core CPU4-core GPU

Apple A136-core CPU4-core GPU

Memory

256 / 512 / 1024 / 2048 GB storage8 / 16 GB RAM

128 / 256 / 512 / 1024 GB storage8 GB RAM

64 / 256 GB storage4 GB RAM

64 / 256 GB storage3 GB RAM

Camera

Selfie Camera

12 MP, f/2.4Landscape orientation

12 MP, f/2.4Portrait orientation

12 MP, f/2.4Landscape orientation

12 MP, f/2.4Portrait orientation

Battery

38.99 Wh20 W wired chargingCharger included

31.29 Wh20 W wired chargingCharger included

36.59 Wh20 W wired chargingCharger included

28.93 Wh20 W wired chargingCharger included

19.3 Wh20 W wired chargingCharger included

28.6 Wh20 W wired chargingCharger included

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6E | Bluetooth 5.3Optional 5G (eSIM)

Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 5.0Optional 5G

Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 5.2Optional 5G

Wi-Fi 5 | Bluetooth 5.0Optional 4G

Dimensions and weight

11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 in, 1.28 lb
281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm, 579 g

9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 in, 0.98 lb
249.7 x 177.5 x 5.3 mm, 444 g

11.04 x 8.46 x 0.24 in, 1.36 lb
280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 mm, 617 g

9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 in, 1.02 lb
247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm, 462 g

7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 in, 0.65 lb
195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm, 293 g

9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in, 1.05 lb
248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm, 477 g

9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in, 1.07 lb
250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm, 487 g

Offers*

In May 2024, Apple unveiled the 7th generation iPad Pro in both 11-inch and 13-inch models, equipped with M4 chips. As anticipated, the new iPad Air was also released, available in 11-inch and 13-inch models and featuring M2 chips.
On the same day, Apple updated the accessory ecosystem for the iPads, introducing a more computer-like keyboard and an advanced Apple Pencil. We have prepared a special article covering all the new releases from the “Get Loose” event on May 7, just for you:

Table of Contents:

Apple iPad Pro 2024: Starting from $999
The iPad Pro models now start at $999 for the 11-inch version and $1,299 for the 13-inch variant, available in Space Gray and Silver. These new models offer a leap in performance and display technology, setting them apart in the Apple lineup.
For the first time, Apple introduces OLED technology to the iPad Pro series. The 11-inch and 13-inch displays are now labeled as Ultra Retina XDR and utilize something the company is calling Tandem OLED panels for “unparalleled” precision in image performance. Both sizes boast impressive specifications, including 1000 nits of typical brightness, peaking at 1600 nits for HDR content. The display supports XDR precision, offering deeper blacks and enhanced detail in shadows and low-light conditions. A nano-texture glass option is also available for those seeking reduced glare.
In terms of dimensions, these are Apple’s thinnest products ever, measuring just 5.3 mm for the 11-inch model and 5.1 mm for the 13-inch model. The internal architecture has been significantly upgraded with the introduction of the M4 SoC, which utilizes 3 nm technology, featuring 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores. This setup delivers a performance four times faster than previous models while using only a quarter of the energy.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 in a nutshell. / © Apple

Additionally, the new Neural Engine (a.k.a. NPU) boasts a 16-core design capable of conducting 38 trillion operations per second, making these devices incredibly powerful for AI applications. The thermal performance has also been improved by 20%, ensuring better efficiency during high-demand tasks.
On the software side, the tablets support iPadOS 17—and the upcoming iPadOS 18—, which includes features like Stage Manager and the Core ML framework. Apple has also introduced professional applications such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, enhancing productivity and creativity. A new feature, Live Multicam in the Final Cut Camera app, allows users to direct multi-camera videos remotely.
Camera technology has also been enhanced, with a 12MP 4K ProRES capability and an improved LiDAR scanner for better depth sensing. The ultrawide front camera now sits on the landscape edge, and the flash has been enhanced with AI for brighter images.
The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro now comes in two colors and includes a function row and a larger pad, adding to the versatility and portability of these devices. These iPads support the new Apple Pencil Pro, making them more powerful and adaptable than ever before.

iPad Pro 2024: Costs

iPad Pro 2024: 11-inch
256 GB
512 GB
1 TB
2 TB

Wi-Fi
$999
$1,199
$1,599
$1,999

5G
$1,199
–
–
–

Nano-texture glass
–
–
$1,699
–

iPad Pro 2024: 13-inch
256 GB
512 GB
1 TB
2 TB

Wi-Fi
$1,299
$1,499
$1,899
$2,299

5G
$1,499
–
–
–

Nano-texture glass

–
$1,999
–

Affiliate offer

Apple iPad Air 2024: Starting at $599
The iPad Air, a favorite choice for users seeking a balance of performance and affordability, received a significant upgrade from Apple on May 7, 2024. The new models, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, are now equipped with advanced M2 chips.
This transition marks a pivotal shift in the iPad experience, moving from the standard tablet functionality to a more computer-like software experience—although not as advanced as the Pro models—, enhancing its capability for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks.
Apple has introduced the Liquid Retina display technology to the new iPad Air, increasing the screen size by 30% in the 13-inch model, which results in an immersive viewing experience.
The design updates include a front camera now situated on the landscape edge, ideal for video calls and streaming, and landscape stereo speakers that enhance audio quality. The iPad Air is now offered in four stylish finishes: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.

Apple iPad Air 2024 in a nutshell! / © Apple

The new iPad Air is 50% faster than its predecessor due to the 15% improvement in CPU performance. It also introduces new features such as Apple Pencil hover, which allows for greater precision and is compatible with the new Magic Keyboard, enhancing productivity and creativity.
These enhancements make the new iPad Air not only a powerful device for general use but also particularly adept at handling demanding AI and ML applications, all while maintaining an affordable price point.
The device also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and the cellular model is upgraded to 5G, ensuring high-speed internet access on the go. These are the suggested prices for the new model, with a price increase of 20 dollars for the 5G models:

iPad Air 2022: Costs

iPad Air 2024 11-inch
128 GB
256 GB
512 GB
1 TB

Wi-Fi
$599
$699
$899
$1,099

5G
$749
–
–
–

iPad Air 2024 13-inch
128 GB
256 GB
512 GB
1 TB

Wi-Fi
$799
$899
$1,099
$1,299

5G
$949
–
–
–

Affiliate offer

Apple iPad (10th generation): Starting from $349
The latest basic iPad was released in October 2022. The base iPad broke many traditions in the base model, ditching not only the front home button but also the Lightning port, this last one replaced by USB-C. Although still using Touch ID as its biometric feature, the fingerprint sensor is now housed on the side, similar to the rest of the iPad line.
Removing the front home button allowed the 10th generation iPad to get a bigger screen, 10.9-inch instead of the classic 10.2” used since 2019 in the 7th generation. The slightly bigger screen was accompanied by an increase in resolution, now 2360 x 1640 pixels, instead of 2160 x 1620 in the 9th generation.

The iPad 2022 can be found in silver, blue, yellow, and pink! / © nextpit

Processing-wise, the 10th gen iPad was upgraded to the A14 Bionic SoC, the same one used in the iPhone 12. It promises improvements in terms of performance and brings support for 5G networks in the cellular model. In the storage department, Apple kept the same 64 and 256 GB options.

Both cameras in the iPad 2022 were also updated, with the main camera getting a resolution bump from 8 to 12 megapixels. The front-facing camera, meanwhile, was moved to the longer side of the tablet, making video calls in landscape mode the default option.

The iPad 2021 is still available, with the classic front home button. / © nextpit

Battery life specs are the same as the previous version, with up to 10 hours of web browsing on the Wi-Fi model, and up to 9 hours when using cellular connectivity. Speaking of the previous model, the 9th generation iPad was not discontinued following the 10th gen release. Apple kept the 2021 model on store shelves as a low-cost alternative to the upgraded model.

iPad 10th generation: Price

iPad 10th generation
64 GB
256 GB

Wi-Fi
$349
$499

5G
$499
$649

iPad 9th generation
64 GB
256 GB

Wi-Fi
$329
$479

4G LTE
$459
$609

Affiliate offer

The 9th generation iPad starts from $329. However, the price increases exponentially with more memory and an LTE module. You can refer to the prices in the table above.

Summary
Buy

Good

Updated and modern design
Front camera positioned in landscape mode
Really stable performance
USB-C port instead of Lightning (Finally!)
A reliable companion

Bad

Support for first generation Apple Pencil (Lightning port)
64 GB variant is a joke in 2022
Quality-to-price ratio is not justified

Apple iPad mini 2021: Starting from $499
While Apple has retained the familiar design of the basic iPad, the iPad mini experienced a redesign in 2021. The new iPad mini appeared with far thinner bezels than before, sans the home button and the Touch ID sensor.
The chassis houses an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with IPS technology. Thanks to its resolution of 2226 x 1488 pixels, the pixel density of the iPad mini is very impressive. Fortunately, True Tone support is also included, as well as support for the P3 color space and Apple’s second-generation Apple Pencil.
You can choose between Space Gray, Rose, Violet, and Polaris colors for the iPad mini. The build material used is also 100 percent recycled aluminum. The dimensions of the smallest iPad stand at 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 millimeters (H x W x D). In large pockets, the Wi-Fi model weighs 293 grams while the LTE model is 4 grams heftier.
Other features include a USB-C port at the bottom and a magnetic port for the Apple Pencil 2 on the right side. Compared to the iPad 2021, the iPad mini also offers stereo speakers on both the top and bottom sides.

Small and pretty—the iPad mini 2021! / © nextpit

In terms of performance, the iPad mini 2021 is clearly ahead of the base model. This is due to Apple’s A15 Bionic chipset, which is also used in the iPhone 13 range. Half a dozen CPU cores and five graphics cores ensure that you can edit 4K videos or play the latest mobile games without having to suffer long loading times. You can read more about the seemingly inexhaustible performance of the iPad mini in our review.
At this point, we would first like to point out the differences in the cameras to you. The selfie camera offers an ultra-wide-angle field of view, which allows you to use Apple’s follow mode. It has a 12 MP resolution and supports the Smart HDR 3 standard as well as video recordings in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
The main camera on the back can record videos in 4K and also supports 60 FPS. However, you have to settle for 12 megapixels for videos—but the main camera is much faster with an aperture of f/1.8.

The size of the iPad mini with “Fabi for scale”! / © nextpit

Although the iPad mini’s battery capacity is no doubt smaller due to its construction, Apple advertised battery runtimes of up to 10 hours when surfing the web via WLANs. When surfing via the cellular network with the LTE model, you can manage 9 hours without a power outlet. If the iPad mini needs to be plugged in, it can be done via USB-C.
Thanks to USB 3.1 Gen 1, the port also allows connections to external displays or hard drives. The data rates are correspondingly high with a maximum of 5 gigabits per second.

iPad mini 2021: Price

iPad mini 2021 price
64 GB
256 GB

Wi-Fi
$499
$649

4G LTE
$649
$799

If you decide to buy the iPad mini, you will have to spend at least $499 a pop. In addition to the 64 GB model, there is also a 256 GB model. As with the basic iPad, Apple also differentiates between cellular and WiFi-only models. All prices can be found in the table above this paragraph.

Summary
Buy

Good

The perfect form factor for a tablet
iPadOS 15 runs perfectly on it
Superb performance

Bad

No 120 Hertz refresh rate and ProMotion
No Face ID support

Software
A significant advantage shared by all iPads is, unquestionably, Apple’s operating system. The iPadOS is sleek, user-friendly, and potent. It is a heavily customized variant of Apple’s iOS platform, a factor that distinguishes Apple from its competitors. After all, Android still tends to be cumbersome and prone to errors on tablets.
As of May 2024, the official version of the iPad software is iPadOS 17, which was released in mid-2023. If you are interested in learning about all the features that Apple introduced in this version, I highly recommend you check out our comprehensive guide for iPadOS 17.
The standout features of the new iPad operating system include enhancements for health and mindfulness in the Health app, a personalized lock screen with widgets, and fresh productivity features designed for the iPad. To learn more about these functionalities, and to find out if your tablet is eligible for the new update, I encourage you to read our iPadOS guide linked above.

A summary of what’s new in Apple’s iPadOS 17. / © nextpit

Accessories
Cases and keyboard covers

For additional flexibility and security in everyday life, Apple offers several accessories for all iPad models. Especially popular among users are cases and keyboard covers, which can add important functions in addition to more security.
For example, you can use a Smart Folio cover to protect the display of your iPad as well as to angle the entire tablet a bit. The keyboard covers also help you type, and with more expensive models you even get an additional trackpad.

Affiliate offer

Buy iPad cases from Apple

Model
Product page

Apple iPad 10th generation
Order now*

Apple iPad mini 6th generation (2021)
Order now*

Apple iPad Air 11” (2024)
Order now*

Apple iPad Pro 13” (2024)
Order now*

Apart from Apple, other manufacturers also offer cases and keyboard covers for Apple’s iPad. When buying, you should make sure that the case is actually compatible with your model and screen size. It is also particularly practical if the accessory makes use of Apple’s Smart Connector.
Styluses for Apple’s iPads
Apple’s own styluses are called “Apple Pencil”, “Apple Pencil 2nd Generation” and the newest “Apple Pencil Pro”. We have already described the compatibilities in detail. In short, all iPads are compatible with the 2nd generation, except for the basic iPad.
This is because only this has the required Lightning port to charge the stylus. However, the first generation Pencil cannot be magnetically held on all the other iPads. It is priced from $99 and the 2nd generation Apple Pencil costs $129.

Affiliate offer

Since May 7, 2024, users of the iPad have also counted with the most advanced Apple Pencil Pro. It introduces a suite of advanced features designed to enhance the creative process on the iPad Air and Pro models. The new stylus includes a new sensor that detects squeezes, allowing users to quickly switch tools and adjust settings without interrupting their workflow.
Additionally, it offers haptic feedback for intuitive user interactions and a gyroscope for precise control, which includes the ability to roll the device for detailed adjustments. The Apple Pencil Pro also supports the “Find My” feature, making it easier to locate if misplaced. It connects to the iPad Air via a new magnetic interface for pairing, charging, and storage.

Affiliate offer

Apple is not the only supplier of styluses, though, as there are third-party styluses out there that are compatible with the Apple iPad. However, do be cautious as you might end up with a lemon. To avoid that, see our list of the best Apple Pencil alternatives.
AirPods, MacBooks, and other peripherals
All iPad models support the WLAN and Bluetooth wireless standards. This makes them compatible with many other accessories already available in the market.
Apple especially integrates its devices seamlessly into its respective operating systems. Here are two examples: If you power up Apple’s AirPods headphones, your iPad automatically recognizes them. The headphones also automatically detect which Apple device is currently playing music.

Affiliate offer

If you also use your Apple hardware with a shared Apple ID, you automatically link the devices together. If you click “Take Photo” on your Mac desktop, you can select your iPad here. Linking multiple devices is one of the clear strengths of choosing an iPad and other Apple devices.

All iPad generations at a glance

Year
Models
Highlights

2024
iPad Pro 11″ and 13″ 2024(7th generation)

Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models
M4 processor
Nano-texture glass
OLED display
Landscape selfie camera

2024
iPad Air 11″ and 13″ 2024(6th generation)

Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models
M2 processor
Liquid Retina display technology
Landscape selfie camera

2022
iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″ 2022(6th generation)

M2 SoC
Wi-Fi 6E support
ProRes video capture

2022
iPad 10th generation

Redesigned base iPad with Pro model look, 10.9-inch display, and Touch ID
Apple A14 SoC
Updated 12 MP cameras in the front and back
USB-C charging and data port
5G connectivity support

2022
iPad Air 2022

iPad Air now with M1 SoC
5G connection in the cellular model
Increased base price
Center-stage support thanks to 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle front camera

2021
iPad mini 6th generationiPad 9th generationiPad Pro 5th generation

Base iPad with an ultra-wide-angle front-facing camera
Redesigned iPad mini with Pro model look, 8.3-inch display, Touch ID, improved cameras, 5G compatible
Pro models now available with M1 chip, 5G compatible
New display technology mini LED in Pro model

2020
iPad 8th generationiPad Air 4th generationiPad Pro 4th generation

8th generation iPad only with new SoC
iPad Air with Pro model look and 10.9-inch display
Better cameras and Magic Keyboard compatibility
Pro model available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes
Dual cameras and LiDAR sensor on the back
Up to 1 TB of internal storage
Magic Keyboard launch

2019

iPad 7th generation
iPad Air 3rd generation
iPad mini 5th generation

Base iPad increased in size from 9.7-inches to 10.2-inches
Now supports smart keyboard via a smart connector
RAM increased from 2 to 3 GB
iPad Air with Touch ID on the power button
With a 10.5-inch display, support for True Tone and P3 color space
iPad mini compatible with Apple Pencil

2018
iPad 6th generationiPad Pro 3rd generation

Cheapest iPad supports Apple Pencil
iPad Pro now with facial recognition
Narrower display bezels like the iPhone X
Lightning connector of iPad Pro replaced with Lightning
Pro model without a headphone jack

2017
iPad 5th generationiPad Pro 2nd generation

Introduction of the A9 SoC
9.7-inch display with Retina resolution
Pro model with 10.5-inches or 12.9-inches

2016
iPad Pro with 9.7-inch

New variant with a smaller display

2016
–

2015
iPad mini 4iPad Pro

mini model with thicker bezels but with Touch ID
iPad Pro introduced – with a 12.9-inch display
Stereo speakers
Up to 256 GB of internal storage

2014
iPad Air 2iPad mini 3

iPad Air 2 in gold color variant, now 6.1 mm thin
No mechanical mute switch for the first time
Barometer and Touch ID sensor
mini model also comes with a Touch ID sensor

2013
iPad AiriPad mini 2

First iPad Air in the style of the iPad mini is lighter than ever
WLAN technology MIMO introduced
In addition, the iPad mini with Retina display came on the market

2012
iPad 3rd generationiPad 4th generationiPad mini

0.6 millimeter thicker
5-megapixel camera with full-HD videos
First Retina display on iPad
First iPad with Siri support
Successor with Lightning connector appeared in the fall
iPad mini with a 7.9-inch display launched

2011
iPad 2

Same display size with the same resolution
Camera in front and back
GPS on board

2010
iPad

The first iPad
9.7-inch touchscreen display
Wi-Fi and 3G version
Apple A4 with 256 MB RAM

Article updated in May 2024. Comments posted before the update were kept and may refer to previous versions of this list.